Cone and her husband, John Cone, who was the Portland Timbers' director of sports science, both will be leaving the organization to spend more time together. The couple's jobs often sent them in different directions, and they felt they weren't seeing each other enough.

"We had to make a decision about the type of lifestyle we want to have together," Cone said in a phone interview with The Oregonian. "We decided we needed to find jobs where we could spend more time together."

Cone, a finalist for the 2013 FIFA Women’s Coach of the Year, led the Thorns to an 11-6-5 record and the NWSL title in the inaugural 2013 season. The Thorns came back to win their semifinal playoff game over FC Kansas City on the road before beating the Western New York Flash to earn the title.

Cone, 35, played with the U.S. women's national team from 1995-2006 and was a starter on the 1999 club that won the FIFA World Cup.

Cone said coaching the Thorns during the inaugural NWSL season was an amazing experience that she will never forget. She added that the support of the fans in Portland was incredible and she relished the chance to work with such passionate players.

"The organization has been unbelievable to both of us," Cone said about her and her husband's experience with the Thorns and the Timbers. "By no means was it an easy decision for us ... Portland is a truly special city. It will forever hold a special place in my heart."

Thorns defender Rachel Buehler said she was surprised to learn that Cone would be stepping down, but felt fortunate she had the opportunity to work with Cone for a season.

"Cindy is an incredible coach," Buehler said. "I feel fortunate to have had a chance to be coached by her. It was a wonderful experience for the team to be able to have her while we did."

Cone thanked Thorns and Timbers general manager Gavin Wilkinson and owner Merritt Paulson for the opportunity to coach the Thorns and for respecting her decision to step down.

"We sincerely appreciate everything that Cindy has accomplished as head coach of Portland Thorns FC," Wilkinson said in a prepared statement. "Helping deliver a championship to Portland was a major achievement, especially in her first year as a professional head coach."

The Cones plan to take some time off before deciding where they want to go from here.

"We're going to take a little time off to see our family," Cone said. "We haven’t seen our family since the start of last season. We're going to spend some time together and figure out where to go from there."

Paulson thanked Cone on Twitter for being a "great ambassador" for the Thorns in their historic first year.